Lawmakers from the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) in the Punjab Assembly have called on the federal government to ban the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. This demand follows growing concerns over the adverse impact of PTI’s actions on the country’s political stability and economy. A resolution was submitted by MPA Uzma Kardar, accusing the opposition party of creating chaos, violence, and economic setbacks under the guise of political activism.
Accusations Against PTI: A Call for Accountability
MPA Uzma Kardar’s resolution strongly condemned the actions of PTI, accusing the party of inciting violence and creating lawlessness across Pakistan. She stated that PTI was exploiting the platform of peaceful politics to fuel aggression and disorder. According to Kardar, PTI’s protests were not only disruptive but also violent, as demonstrated by the tragic deaths of police officers and Rangers in the November 24 protest led by Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur.
PTI’s Role in the November 24 Protests
The November 24 protest, which saw Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur lead PTI supporters, is cited as a clear example of PTI’s violent approach. Kardar criticized Gandapur for focusing on attacking the federal government instead of addressing the problems of his own province. She noted that PTI used heavy machinery, armed police, and even tear gas in its protests, turning a political demonstration into a violent confrontation that resulted in the loss of lives, including that of security personnel.
Linking PTI to Past Incidents of Violence
The resolution also referenced the violent events of May 9, 2023, accusing PTI of repeating similar actions that violated the constitution and sowed discord within the country. PTI, according to the resolution, had a history of encouraging public protests that led to violence. Kardar emphasized that the party’s actions were not only unlawful but also self-serving, as PTI had incited its workers to act violently, flouting court orders such as the Islamabad High Court’s ruling restricting protests in the Red Zone.
Economic Fallout: The Cost of PTI’s Protests
Another key aspect of the resolution was the economic impact of PTI’s protests. Kardar highlighted that the country suffered significant financial losses, with the protest earlier in the week alone costing the country an estimated Rs190 billion in daily losses. Additionally, she noted the PTI protests led to a Rs140 billion loss in GDP, with the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) seeing a drastic decline. These losses, she argued, were detrimental to the economy and undermined Pakistan’s image on the international stage.
Diplomatic Consequences: Damaging Pakistan’s Image
Kardar pointed out the diplomatic fallout from PTI’s disruptive protests. She argued that PTI’s actions tarnished Pakistan’s image during crucial international events, such as visits from the Belarus delegation, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, and developments related to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). These disruptions, she stressed, created a negative perception of Pakistan among international stakeholders, hurting the country’s global standing and future prospects.
PTI’s Response: Condemnation of Violence
In contrast, PTI lawmakers, including Rana Shehbaz Ahmad and Mian Ijaz Shafi, submitted a resolution condemning the use of violence against PTI supporters during the November 26 protests in Islamabad. They strongly opposed the “indiscriminate firing” by security forces that led to the deaths of several peaceful protesters. PTI’s resolution also condemned the imposition of Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) in Punjab, which restricted public gatherings and movement.
The Impact of Section 144: A Humanitarian Crisis
The PTI resolution highlighted the harsh impact of the government’s response, particularly the enforcement of Section 144 in Punjab. PTI lawmakers criticized the restrictions that not only caused significant inconvenience to citizens but also led to human tragedies. According to the PTI resolution, ambulances were unable to move through blocked routes, resulting in the deaths of patients on the way to hospitals. Furthermore, wedding processions, including “Baraats” (bridegrooms’ parties), were forced to turn back, causing emotional distress and disruption to families.
Political Rivalry: A Deepening Divide
The resolutions submitted by both PML-N and PTI reflect the deepening political divide between the ruling party and the opposition. While PML-N lawmakers demand a ban on PTI for allegedly destabilizing the country, PTI continues to claim that its supporters are victims of state oppression. Both sides accuse each other of acting against the nation’s interests, with PML-N blaming PTI for economic and social instability, and PTI denouncing the use of excessive force and political repression.
Conclusion
The debate over banning PTI in the Punjab Assembly underscores the challenges facing Pakistan’s political landscape. With both major parties accusing each other of undermining the nation’s stability, the situation remains tense. As the political standoff continues, the citizens of Pakistan are left to navigate the consequences of these divisive actions. Whether the demand for a PTI ban will gain traction or whether political dialogue will prevail remains to be seen. However, one thing is clear: Pakistan’s political future is in a fragile state.
